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ALL Non-U.S. Citizen candidates seeking training at flight schools regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must complete an application containing certain information to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) prior to beginning flight training, for a determination by TSA that the non-U.S., citizen and non-U.S. national does not pose a threat to aviation or national security.   An FTSP Candidate in need of a new account on the system may register at the registration portal and select the candidate portal and follow instructions.

Application guide and registration portal can be located at https://www.fts.tsa.dhs.gov/home.

Candidates seeking flight training fall into one of four categories. A brief explanation of the categories are as follows:

Category 1

Candidates who seek flight training in the operation of aircraft with a maximum certified takeoff weight greater than 12,500 pounds but do not fall into Category 2.

Category 2

Candidates who seek flight training in the operation of aircraft with a maximum certified takeoff weight greater than 12,500 pounds, and who:

  • Hold an airman’s certificate that is recognized by the FAA or a US military agency, and that permits the candidate to operate a multi-engine aircraft that has a certificated takeoff weight of more than 12,500 pounds.
  • Are employed by a foreign air carrier that holds a security program approved under 14 CFR part 1546;
  • Have unescorted access authority to a secured area of an airport under U.S.C 44936(a)(1)(A)(ii), 49 CFR 1542.229; or
  • Are a flight crew member who has successfully completed a criminal history records check in accordance with 49 CFR 1544.230 Category 3 Candidates who seek flight training in the operation of aircraft with a maximum certificated takeoff weight of 12,500 pounds or less for the following training events: an initial airman’s certificate, Instrument Rating, and Multi Engine land (MEL). Each of these training events requires a separate training request. Category 4 Candidates who seek recurrent flight training for an aircraft with a maximum certified takeoff weight greater than 12,500 pounds, and who are current and qualified on the aircraft for which they are requesting training.

Category 3

Candidates who seek flight training in the operation of aircraft with a maximum certificated takeoff weight of 12,500 pounds or less for the following training events: an initial airman’s certificate, Instrument Rating, and Multi Engine land (MEL). Each of these training events requires a separate training request.

Category 4

Candidates who seek recurrent flight training for an aircraft with a maximum certified takeoff weight greater than 12,500 pounds, and who are current and qualified on the aircraft for which they are requesting training.

Important Information

  • Pay directly to the TSA the $130.00 processing fee.
  • You MUST give your Last name and your first name as it appears on your passport.
  • Training Request Course Name: Initial.
  • Aircraft type is the particular aircraft model you will be flying to earn your rating: Cessna 172.
  • Category is 3; this signifies aircraft under 12,500 lbs.
  • You will need to upload a clear color copy of your passport and visa.

TSA Fingerprinting Regulations: The TSA requires fingerprinting of all international students prior to beginning flight training. This can be done after you have arrived into the United States and prior to commencing your flight training at OCFC as a part of the TSA formalities.